Tips for Sleep: Fact vs. Fiction

We’ve been sleeping since the day we were born, so we should be experts at it, right? Why, then, do we have so much trouble getting a good night’s rest?

To get a quality night’s sleep, we first need to separate the myths from fact. Then we will investigate ways to help, like investing in the best eye mask for sleeping.

Separating Myth from Fact

1. If you wake up in the middle of the night, it’s best to stay in bed and toss and turn until you ultimately fall asleep.

MYTH: On the contrary,
experts say that if you just can’t keep get to sleep, get out of bed, go to another room, and engage in a soothing activity like listening to music or reading.

2. The only characteristic of insomnia is having trouble falling asleep.

MYTH: There are actually four symptoms associated with insomnia. They include waking up earlier than planned and then having difficulty going back to sleep; having trouble falling asleep from the get-go; frequent waking at night; and feeling unrefreshed and tired after a night’s sleep. Seek medical advice if you think you may have insomnia. Research the best eye mask for sleeping for additional help.

3. Health problems like depression, hypertension, obesity, and diabetes are related to the quality and amount of sleep you get.

FACT: Scientific research shows a correlation between poor sleep and poor health. If you’re not getting enough sleep or are waking frequently during the night, you may experience an elevation in blood pressure, which normally decreases during sleep. This can cause cardiovascular problems. Studies also have shown that lack of sleep can have an impact on blood sugar levels, with the body’s reaction being similar to insulin resistance.

4. Snoring is a sign of an underlying health problem.

FACT: You may think your partner’s snoring is simply annoying, but it can actually be something much more serious: a sign of a disorder called sleep apnea. Sleep apnea causes a person’s breathing to be interrupted during sleep. These periods of interruption are characterized by reduced oxygen levels, putting more strain on the heart. Sleep apnea also causes frequent sleep interruptions.

5. If you have trouble falling asleep, there’s nothing you can do.

MYTH: On the contrary, there’s a lot you can do to encourage sleep. Some steps are simply good habits: exercising at least three hours before bed, not eating heavy meals before sleep, and going to bed at a consistent time. A great eye mask can also be a wonderful tool to combat sleeping problems. The best eye mask for sleeping will be comfortable and conform to your face, like the nodpod. It also will be made of a breathable, lightweight fabric.

If you are one of the many people who just can’t sleep like a log, make a few changes in your habits and environment. Start by checking out the nodpod eye mask; it’s sure to lull you into a perfect sleep.